An ultra-robust fabric-embedded PVDF membrane fabricated by NTIPS method and its application for monosodium glutamate concentration in membrane distillation.

This study proposed a novel strategy to fabricate highly permeable and robust supported membranes for membrane distillation, via a nonsolvent thermally induced phase separation method. Different from traditional supported membranes cast on non-woven fabrics, a well-integrated fabric-embedded PVDF (FE-PVDF) membrane was successfully obtained using polyamide 66 gauze supports. The optimal FE-PVDF membrane PA-120 exhibited an interesting structure with pseudo Janus function, which entailed hydrophobic bulk membrane property but a pseudo hydrophilic bottom surface due to the presence of water-filled "50 μm grade" pores. The PA-120 exhibited a DCMD flux of 68.5 kg.m−2.h−1 at 70 °C with synthetic saline solution and exceptional tensile strength of 21 MPa (lateral)/21 MPa (longitudinal), which was 1.4-fold and 23-fold higher than that of the unsupported benchmark, respectively. The concentration of 10 wt% monosodium glutamate solution with PA-120 was demonstrated at 70 °C up to 55 wt% when crystallization was observed, The flux showed a minor decrease by 16.3% until 40 wt% and a subsequent decline towards 55 wt%. Repeated concentration cycles were conducted with intermediate membrane rinsing by fresh feed, demonstrating highly recoverable performance. This preliminary study brings new perspectives towards pushing the limits of current lab-made MD membranes. [Display omitted] • Ultra-robust fabric-embedded PVDF membranes were obtained by a facile NTIPS method. • FE-PVDF membrane offered tensile strength 21 MPa and DCMD flux 68.5 kg.m−2.h−1 (70 °C). • Membrane structure with a pseudo Janus function led to greatly enhanced mass transfer. • Successful concentration of MSG solution was conducted towards crystallization. • Reversible MD performance demonstrated in repeated cycles with no additional cleaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]